[Fr_Chuck]

Really the best thing is just to chill and wait. Time frame, normally if you are going to get a letter from them, it will be sent in about 2 to 6 weeks. Normally the police officer if he was going to have done anything would have given you a date and time to report at the scene, so I really doubt that will happen but they are allowed to send a letter with date and time to report but this does not happen as often.

As for as the civil penalty, that is a store by store choice, some stores just do it for every person, others just don't do it.

And no you will not go to jail even if the worst happens, it is just a fine and probation at the very very worst.

Next family will not be told by court or police but get a grip it is just shoplifting, and does not destroy your life.